Why is leaving the bike in the rain bad?

WannaMoto · 10-20-2005, 06:40 PM

Aren't bikes supposed to be made of material to take a little water? If not, then washing them would be just as bad as the rain. What if I rinsed her after a rain to get all the smog off of her? I don't have a garage, so I'm trying to figure out how to keep her nice over the winter.
BTW, I'm in California, so I'm going to ride all winter long if the roads aren't flooded.

segue00 · 10-20-2005, 07:13 PM

My bike will only get wet if I'm getting wet. I haven't washed her with water yet, even. Just spray her all over with silicone and some wiping, nothing sticks. Get a bike cover.

loof · 10-20-2005, 09:55 PM

Just throw a cover on it and you'll be fine..make sure its a cover meant for motorcycles because it needs to breathe.. I always give my bike a quick rinse after a wet ride to wash out the salts and crap from the road.

compscibOi · 10-20-2005, 09:57 PM

because rain + chain = rust.

waterspots suck.

my bike is worth more than just letting it sit in the rain. Covered parking or in my living room.

valskater · 10-20-2005, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compscibOi

because rain + chain = rust.

waterspots suck.

my bike is worth more than just letting it sit in the rain. Covered parking or in my living room.

+1 Especially the last part!

UberGoober · 10-21-2005, 12:44 AM

Yes, it's just like that song from My Fair Lady - "Rain on the chain is really a big pain."

Skankhair · 10-21-2005, 07:27 AM

Motorcycles can be riden and left in the rain, but in the long run, water isn't good for your bike. It rusts metal parts, and the acid in rain can eat at the paint and mechanicals.

Don't fear riding in the rain for your bike's sake. The bike can take it. But if you aren't riding, you might as well throw a water-proof cover over the bike to minimize wear and corrosion from rain. No reason to let the bike sit out in the rain if it isn't even being used.

A good bike cover can also protect the bike from UV rays. It's just a good thing to have.

No, hours in the sun or rain won't have much effect on your bike, but after years of being left out, it will start to add up.

WannaMoto · 10-21-2005, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skankhair

Motorcycles can be riden and left in the rain, but in the long run, water isn't good for your bike. It rusts metal parts, and the acid in rain can eat at the paint and mechanicals.

Don't fear riding in the rain for your bike's sake. The bike can take it. But if you aren't riding, you might as well throw a water-proof cover over the bike to minimize wear and corrosion from rain. No reason to let the bike sit out in the rain if it isn't even being used.

A good bike cover can also protect the bike from UV rays. It's just a good thing to have.

No, hours in the sun or rain won't have much effect on your bike, but after years of being left out, it will start to add up.

I've followed just about every post you've made since you've joined. You talk like you know everything there is to know about motorcycles, yet you don't have one.

Now I've trolled this site since 2001, and have wanted a motorcycle bad since 1997. Of all the things I've posted, I've at least admitted I know nothing about bikes, except what I read in magazines, from what I read on this forum, and from books such as "Twist of the Wrist" and "More Proficient Motorcycling." Could you please tell from what experience you have with motorcycles that you can speak with such authority?

Now that I have a bike, I'm asking other motorcycle riders/owners for some real life knowledge. As an engineer, I know the difference between book smarts and life knowledge. I have book smarts, but I'm still learning the real lessons.

Not trying to flame you, just wanting to know.

I'm not attacking you, I just want to know.

10esee Jed · 10-21-2005, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WannaMoto

I've followed just about every post you've made since you've joined. You talk like you know everything there is to know about motorcycles, yet you don't have one.

Now I've trolled this site since 2001, and have wanted a motorcycle bad since 1997. Of all the things I've posted, I've at least admitted I know nothing about bikes, except what I read in magazines, from what I read on this forum, and from books such as "Twist of the Wrist" and "More Proficient Motorcycling." Could you please tell from what experience you have with motorcycles that you can speak with such authority?

Now that I have a bike, I'm asking other motorcycle riders/owners for some real life knowledge. As an engineer, I know the difference between book smarts and life knowledge. I have book smarts, but I'm still learning the real lessons.

Not trying to flame you, just wanting to know.

I'm not attacking you, I just want to know.

^^^^

Just get a decent cover and you'll be good to go

compscibOi · 10-21-2005, 11:50 AM

dammnnn lol

WannaMoto · 10-21-2005, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10esee Jed

^^^^

Just get a decent cover and you'll be good to go

Yeah... I'll get a waterproof cover I guess. I already bought a cover, but to my dismay, it was only a dust cover and not water proof. I've spent so much money on gear and accessories already, that I'm hesitant to keep buying more stuff. When does the money stop falling out of my pocket ???

10esee Jed · 10-21-2005, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WannaMoto

Yeah... I'll get a waterproof cover I guess. I already bought a cover, but to my dismay, it was only a dust cover and not water proof. I've spent so much money on gear and accessories already, that I'm hesitant to keep buying more stuff. When does the money stop falling out of my pocket ???

NEVER!!! Soon it will start jumping out

!! Really, at some point you'll spend more time riding and less time buying shit.

lexhunting · 10-21-2005, 02:48 PM

[quote=Skankhair]Don't fear riding in the rain for your bike's sake. The bike can take it.

Most bikes have their intake on the front. I would think riding in the rain would = water in your carbs or fuel injection. Doesn't sound like it would be good for your bike.

shft600 · 10-21-2005, 03:03 PM

[quote=lexhunting]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skankhair

Don't fear riding in the rain for your bike's sake. The bike can take it.

Most bikes have their intake on the front. I would think riding in the rain would = water in your carbs or fuel injection. Doesn't sound like it would be good for your bike.

hm I never thought about that
but there is a filter in there...

spdfreq · 10-21-2005, 04:02 PM

[quote=lexhunting]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skankhair

Don't fear riding in the rain for your bike's sake. The bike can take it.

Most bikes have their intake on the front. I would think riding in the rain would = water in your carbs or fuel injection. Doesn't sound like it would be good for your bike.

Most bikes have a drain hole at the lowest part of the air box and suck air up through a filter to help combat this issue least thats how my gixxer is designed